Explore the Ancient Fortresses of Southeast China - TanSuo Cultural Travel - China & Asia Cultural Travel
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TanSuo Cultural Travel Explore the Ancient Fortresses of Southeast China
Our unforgettable tour will allow
you to engage with the unique
Hakka and Hoklo culture and
explore a whole new side of
China
Nestled deep within the mountainous countryside of
Guangdong province and Fujian province are two
distinct yet equally special types of fortresses, where ancient
people would seek refuge during wartime and hide from
roving bandits.
Why are these fortresses unique to these places? And why
have we chosen these two types of buildings as the focus of
our trip?
Apart from these fantastic works of architecture, the culture
of Fujian and Guangdong is also incredibly distinct
compared with other provinces in China. If you have a
Chinese friend whose family has been living overseas for
more than two generations, it is highly likely that their family
will originally be from one of these two provinces. With their
location on China’s balmy southeastern coast, these two
provinces represented the perfect place for the first
Chinese emigrants to make their way to different
countries throughout the world. During the middle of
the 19th century, emigration reached its peak and many
young people from these provinces went to work in North
America as laborers.
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During this tour, we will
1. Experience local life in the Tulou of southern Fujian province;
2. Witness the influence that Western culture has had on the ancient
towns of Guangdong province;
3. Marvel at the breathtakingly beautiful scenery of the rolling
mountains and verdant forests in southern China;
4. Sample authentic Cantonese food, Fujian-style cuisine, and
subtropical fruits;
5. Try a variety of local teas as part of a traditional Fujian tea
ceremony;
6. Discover the history of the Hakka and Hoklo people;
7. Feel intoxicated by the modern city of Guangzhou.
Fujian and Guangdong are known throughout China as the homeland of
the Hakka and Hoklo people. They are not officially categorised as
ethnic minorities, since they are both considered sub-groups of the Han
ethnic majority. They do have, however, their own unique cultures and
dialects, which are considered by many to be languages in their own
right, since they’re largely unintelligible to most Mandarin Chinese
speakers!
Participants Max: 8
On this incredible tour, we’ll be exploring the homeland of the local Duration: 14 days and 13 nights
Hakka and Hoklo people in order to discover how they’ve preserved Tours in 2021: 15th Nov - 28th Nov
their venerable traditions and how Western culture has been Tours in 2022: 11th Mar - 24th Mar / 20th Nov - 3rd Dec
influencing these areas since the 19th century.
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Highlights
The Unique Earthen Fortresses of Fujian
Province -- Tulou
You may never have heard of the Tulou of Fujian
province, but there is a famous story about them that
you may find hard to believe! In 1986, during the Cold
War period, US satellites found many strange circular
and square shaped structures resembling a group of
nuclear bases hidden in the valleys of southern China,
near Taiwan. Fearing an impending nuclear attack from
Communist China, the US sent a unit of CIA spies to
China to investigate, and eventually they were
embarrassed to find that the “nuclear bases” were just
simple Tulou.
The history of the Tulou is intimately connected to the
Hakka people, who were once newcomers to the region and
The Fujian Tulou or Fujian Earthen Structure is a type of
dwelling built by the Hakka and Hoklo people in the needed a way to protect themselves. The design for the
mountainous regions of southern Fujian. A Tulou is a Tulou was developed from the 14th century right through to
large, enclosed structure that is typically circular or the 16th century, and reached its peak between the late
rectangular in shape and is used to house multiple Ming Dynasty and the late Qing Dynasty (17th – 18th
families. They are usually between 2 to 5 storeys high centuries), because robbers and thieves were running
and the largest Tulou can hold up to a hundred families! rampant throughout the southern Chinese countryside. The
Every family in the Tulou community enjoys perfect Hakka and Hoklo people improved their homes gradually so
equality because every room in a Tulou is the same size that they eventually became a perfect defense against
and has exactly the same design.
attackers and trespassers. Read more about Fujian Tulou
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Highlights
The Clock Tower Style Fortresses of Guangdong
province -- Diaolou
The Diaolou or “Clock Towers” of Guangdong province are
stunning multi-storey watchtowers that are predominantly
concentrated in the county of Kaiping. Although they are
virtually unknown outside of China, their historical
importance to the region meant they were designated a
UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.
Construction of these unusual fortresses began during the
Ming Dynasty and continued right through until the early
20th century. Their construction reached a peak during the
1920s and 1930s, when wealthy overseas Chinese emigrants
began sending financial aid back to their hometowns in
Guangdong province. During this time, it is estimated that
there were over 3,000 Diaolou in the region! Many of them,
however, have since been tragically abandoned and now
only around 1,800 remain standing. During the late 19th
and early 20th century, due to poverty and instability,
What makes the Diaolou so distinct, even from the Tulou of
Kaiping became a centre for major emigration abroad. The
construction of the local Diaolou thus rose out of the Fujian province, is their unusual architectural style. As
emigrants desire to protect their families, villages, or clan overseas Chinese emigrants came back to Kaiping, they
lineages, as the region was frequently terrorized by bandits. brought with them ideas and trends from the West. This is
These fortified watchtowers were predominantly built for why so many of the Diaolou incorporate features from
protective purposes, although they occasionally also served Western architectural styles, which are seamlessly blended
as living quarters. Some of them were funded by a single with more traditional Chinese characteristics. Read more
family, while others were the result of several families or about Diaolou
even entire village communities banding together.
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Highlights
Foreign Trade and Cultural Influence in the
19th Century -- Qilou
As we move further through history, we see the advent
of the Qilou and colonial-style buildings in the
provinces of Guangdong and Fujian.
Qilou appeared sometime around the late 19th century
and can be found in many regions throughout
southern China, such as Guangdong province, Macau,
and Hong Kong. The style originated from the bustling
city of Guangzhou, which was a commercial port used
frequently for foreign trade. The foreign influence on
this style of architecture is palpable, as it resembles a
perfect intermingling of traditional Chinese and
Western styles of architecture.
The earliest Qilou were masterminded by wealthy
businessmen to serve as stylish shops, so you’ll find
many of them in the old business sector of Guangzhou,
Chaoshan, and Zhangzhou. While the Qilou in
Guangzhou and Chaoshan exhibit more Western
features, the ones found in the city of Zhangzhou in
Fujian province were built in a far more traditionally
Chinese style, since Zhangzhou was not subjected to as
much Western influence. Read more about Qilou
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Highlights
The Ancient Towns Where Time Stands Still --
Chikan
The last authentic old town Chikan represents the historic
heart of Kaiping. The town was originally founded in 1649
and immediately rose to become one of the most important
maritime trading hubs in the region due to its proximity to
the Tan River, which is part of the well-known Pearl River
Delta. This convenient transport link resulted in Chikan
simultaneously becoming a centre for emigration during the
19th century, as many locals were prompted to head
overseas due to population pressure and poverty.
Thanks to the combined effort of wealthy local merchants
and emigrants who made their fortune overseas, Chikan
benefited from an influx of investment during the early 20th notorious for their vicious rivalry and were in constant
century and rapidly rose to become one of the largest and competition with one another. One of the greatest examples
most prosperous market towns in southern China. While of this rivalry took place in 1923, when the Situ clan spent
the Tan River has since become impassable, the town is over 30,000 silver dollars building a public library known as
now famed for its beautifully preserved Qilou and Diaolou. “Situ’s Library”. Not to be outdone, the Guan clan matched
There are currently over 600 Qilou and around 200 Diaolou this feat by constructing a library of their own, known as
in Chikan, including Yinglong Lou or “Greeting the Dragon “Guan’s Library”, which was opened to the public in 1931.
Tower”, the oldest surviving Diaolou in China.
Now may be your last chance to see Chikan in its original
This small town, however, is not without its controversy! It condition since it is currently undergoing renovation as part
was historically under the sway of two large clans, the Situ of a government initiative. It will be another beautiful
and the Guan, who resided on the upper and lower reaches tourist attraction, not the last original old town. Read more
of the Tan River respectively. These two clans were about Chikan
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Highlights
Breathtaking Natural Scenery
Thanks to its mountainous terrain, subtropical climate, and fertile soil,
Fujian province is blanketed in tea fields and is one of the most prominent
regions for tea production in China. Alongside the lush tea bushes that wind
their way up the various mountains, Fujian province is also renowned for its
beautiful rice terraces, which have been carved directly into the hills and
mountains of the countryside.
The province of Guangdong, on the other hand, is characterized by its
plethora of rivers, shimmering lakes, and smooth low hills. In particular, the
Pearl River Delta represents both the natural and cultural heart of the
province. It is also one of the few provinces where you can find the rare
Danxia landforms, which are unique to China.
Stay in a Tulou Hotel
If you want to gain an authentic insight into the culture of Fujian province, just
visiting the local attractions and villages simply isn’t enough! Our tour offers you
the opportunity to get an up-close and personal look at the lifestyle of the Hoklo
and Hakka people and their unique culture; an experience that we guarantee
you’ll never forget. During our tour, we will be staying in a Tulou that has been
partly converted into a hotel and another Tulou that accepts visitors but is still
predominantly residential. Together, we can discover what daily life is like for
the local people.
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Highlights
Sample Authentic Cantonese Food and Indulge in
the Flavours of Fujian - Two of the Eight Great
Culinary Traditions of Chinese Cuisine
If you’re a big fan of delicious Cantonese Dim Sum in
Chinatown, imagine how exciting it will be to try the real
thing in Guangdong province! While the dim sum in the UK
is not necessarily bad, nothing beats the authentic taste of
dim sum in its home province.
Since our aim is to introduce you to the best food that the
region has to offer, we’ll be heading to a foodie haven known
as Chaoshan. This region is regarded as the traditional
heartland for Cantonese cuisine. It has become so famous
that there was even a documentary made by Netflix about the
food in this region called “Flavorful Origins”.
The term “Chaoshan” is actually used to refer to two
traditional towns in Guangdong with long and venerable
histories: Chaozhou and Shantou. They are both located in
the northwest of Guangdong province, meaning they are also
conveniently close to the border with Fujian province. The
natives of Chaoshan have their own dialect, which is distinct The cuisine of Fujian province, meanwhile, may not be as
from Cantonese, and are known throughout China as the internationally famous as that of Guangdong province, but
Teochew people. While they are not recognized as a separate it is renowned for its delicious seafood dishes and bears a
ethnic minority, the Teochew people are regarded as a sub- noticeable similarity to the cuisine of Taiwan. The
group of the Han ethnic majority, much like the Hakka and sumptuous signature dishes of Min Cuisine are beautifully
Hoklo people of Fujian province. Read more about the complemented by the locally grown types of Chinese tea.
Teochew people
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Highlights The Various Local Teas and Tropical Fruits If you love Chinese tea, then Fujian and Guangzhou are the provinces for you. In fact, Fujian province is so renowned for its tea that it is even home to its own “Tea Museum”! A wide array of top quality Chinese teas are grown and refined in Fujian province by the Hakka and Hoklo people. In the remote villages, they make tea not only from traditional tea leaves, but also from different fruits and wild flowers. These unique types of tea have a light fragrance but a strong, sweet, and robust flavour that is sure to tantalise your taste-buds. According to traditional Chinese medicine, each type of tea is believed to have different medicinal properties depending on its ingredients, but you won’t need a spoonful of sugar to make this delightful medicine go down! While the art of Gongfu Tea or “Kung-Fu Tea” is popular throughout China, it is widely believed to have originated from the city of Chaozhou. To this day, most families in Chaozhou will have a special tea table in their home and a traditional tea set that is specifically designed for serving Gongfu Tea. Read more about Gongfu Tea The bountiful countryside of southeast China is brimming with many exotic types of fruit that you may have never even heard of before! Take your taste-buds on an adventure and try a few of the locally grown fruits during your trip. 10 TanSuo Cultural Travel
Highlights
The History of the Hakka and Hoklo people
You may not realise it, but many famous people throughout
Chinese history were actually from the Hakka ethnic sub-
group! Some notably famous Hakka people include Sun Yat-
sen, one of the most influential figures in contemporary
Chinese history, and his father-in-law, the rich business man
Charlie Soong, who was also the father-in-law of Chiang Kai-
shek.
The term Hakka or “Kejia” (客家) means “guest families” and
was initially coined during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) in
reference to people or “guests” who had left their homelands
and settled in other parts of China. The Hakka earned this
unusual title because, over a period of more than a thousand
years, they were subject to a series of approximately five
forced migrations.
Although they are distinguished from Han people by their
language, their unusual architecture, and a few other quirky “Southern Min” Chinese, which is a dialect that is mutually
cultural traits, it is important to note that the Hakka are not unintelligible to Standard Chinese and Cantonese. It is also
among China’s 55 resident ethnic minorities, but are in fact a the main dialect spoken in Taiwan.
subgroup of the Han ethnic majority. Read more about the
Hakka People Hoklo people are believed to have originated from lands
bordering the Yellow River in northern and central China,
Similarly, the Hoklo people are also considered to be a much like the Hakka, and settled primarily in southern
subgroup of the Han group, in spite of their cultural Fujian province, although communities of Hoklo people can
distinctiveness. Their language is a branch of Min-nan or be found in Guangdong and Hainan. Read more about the
Hoklo People
11 TanSuo Cultural TravelItinerary Day 1 Meet in Guangzhou Meeting Point: Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport We will arrange one airport pick-up in the afternoon and another airport pick-up in the evening, depending on the flight times of all of the participants. Please Note: A late pick up (after 19:00) service is also available, but there will be a fee depending on the time. If you decide to take the train from another city in China to Guangzhou, please let us know in advance and we can meet you either at the hotel or the railway station. If you need any help making travel arrangements, please don’t hesitate to ask us. The pick-up service fee will depend on the railway station and the arrival time. Food: Not included. Since some participants may arrive late or may not have an appetite after the long flight, we’ve left this evening’s dinner arrangements up to you. Our guide, however, will be on hand to recommend restaurants and help you translate if necessary. Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Guangzhou city centre 12 TanSuo Cultural Travel
Itinerary Day 2 Exploring the Old Parts of Guangzhou [Part I] We will begin our first day of the tour by visiting an old temple with a history that stretches back over 1,700 years! The Guangxiao Temple ranks as one of the four main temples in the city of Guangzhou. It was originally built in 233 AD on the site of a pre- existing palace belonging to King Zhao Jiande of Nanyue (204 BC-111BC), which was a kingdom that historically covered large parts of southern China and northern Vietnam. During the tumultuous Three Kingdoms Period (220-280 AD) of Chinese history, a scholar and official named Yu Fan from the Kingdom of Wu was banished from his home and forced to live in this abandoned palace, which he set up as a school so that he could educate the local people. After his death, his family converted the palace into a temple in order to honor his memory. During the Tang (618-907 AD) and Song (960-1279 AD) dynasties, the temple was expanded, meaning several of its buildings, pagodas, and halls were built during this time. Just like all old buildings, Guangxiao Temple could not escape the ravages of time and has had to be rebuilt or restored several times throughout its long history. Once we’ve finished exploring Guangxiao Temple, we’ll pay a visit to a traditional Han style complex known as the Chen Clan Academy.This academy was originally built in 1894 and was designed to be a private school for the children of the local Chen clan, although it also served as the Ancestral Hall for the clan. This luxurious complex consists of 19 buildings and 6 courtyards that are connected by corridors. The wealth of the Chen clan is evidenced by the many elaborate woodcuttings, stone carvings, artworks, and pottery that can be found throughout the complex. 13 TanSuo Cultural Travel
Itinerary Day 2 Exploring the Old Parts of Guangzhou [Part II] After admiring the beautiful academy of the Chen clan, we’ll stop off at the Guangdong Folk Art Museum, where we can admire exhibitions of traditional folk art from the region. Once our foray into the art world is finished, we will take a walk through a lovely local park called Lychee Bay. Unfortunately we won’t be able to walk through the lychee fields, but we will still be able to admire the stunning views by the four lakes and the old buildings in the park. It’s the ideal place to witness what local life is like in the city. Local people in Guangzhou often gather in the park to give folk opera performances, so we may catch one if we’re lucky! In the afternoon, we’ll head to the old city centre of Guangzhou, where you’ll see elegant Qilou on either sides of the road. It will be hard to believe that we’re still in Guangzhou, one of the most modern cities in China! What’s Included: Entrance ticket to the Guangxiao Temple and the Chen Clan Academy Dinner: We will enjoy a welcome dinner together, where we will sample traditional Cantonese cuisine. Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Guangzhou city centre 14 TanSuo Cultural Travel
Itinerary Day 3 Travel Back in Time We will take the public coach to Kaiping, and then change to a local bus to Chikan. We guarantee you’ll be amazed as we arrive into this small town, because you will struggle to find the signs of modernity that are so characteristic of Guangzhou. The sight of this quaint ancient town is sure to be something you will never forget! We will also get to experience how rapidly China is developing. After checking in to our hotel, we’ll head out to explore this picturesque town. Firstly, let’s go to the historically affluent part of the town, which is named European Street. All of the buildings along this street follow European styles of architecture and are located on the bank of the river, meaning they benefited from the most beautiful view and were thus more expensive than other residences throughout the town. In the past, there were various traditional local snacks for sale along this street; now if we are lucky, we may still be able to find one or two simple food stalls where we can try them. Try not to be too sad about the renovation of this old town. At least you will still get to see its original face before it disappears completely! Dinner: Not included. Guests are free to explore the area and sample the local food themselves, or our guide can help arrange for you to have dinner together Accommodation: 3-star hotel or local guest house in Chikan 15 TanSuo Cultural Travel
Itinerary
Day 4 Welcome to the Diaolou!
In the morning, we will take a taxi to the Li Garden, where we’ll
find some of the most luxurious Diaolou, alongside six villas, two
gardens, several waterways, and a number of bridges.
The Li Garden was built in 1936 by a wealthy businessman called
Xie Weili. He deftly combined Western architecture with the
traditional Chinese style of garden. Within the complex, you will
also be able to admire delicate wood-carvings and stunning
ceramic statues.
After exploring this colossal and beautiful complex, we will take the
shuttle bus to the village of Zili.
There are 15 Diaolou in the village of Zili, most of which were built
during the 1920s and 1930s. Much like other Diaolou throughout
Guangdong, the construction of these Diaolou were funded by
Chinese people living overseas, who wanted to protect their
families. These 15 Diaolou are widely considered to be the most
beautiful among all the Diaolou in Guangdong province. They are What’s Included: Entrance ticket to the Li
all around 4 to 5 storeys high, but each one has its own unique Garden and the village of Zili
features. We will concentrate on two of the Diaolou in the town,
which are believed to be the most magnificent. While we are Dinner: Included. We will sample some of the
admiring the Diaolou, you’ll be able to explore the picturesque signature dishes from the local cuisine together.
village fo Zili, which is emblematic of typical villages in the
southern Chinese countryside. Accommodation: 3-star hotel or local guest
house in Chikan
In the afternoon, we will take the shuttle bus back to the Li Garden
and then take a taxi back to Chikan.
16 TanSuo Cultural TravelItinerary
Day 5 Exploring More Diaolou and Hiking in a Bamboo
Forest
Today will be quite relaxing. In the morning, we’ll take a taxi to
explore another Diaolou complex. The village of Majianglong is
much smaller than Zili, but you’ll soon discover that it is a paradise
nestled with the forests of bamboo. As we get closer to the village,
you’ll see the Diaolou peering out from behind the bamboo leaves.
Lying on the bank of Tan River, the village of Majianglong is
embedded in the beauty of nature. Unfortunately, during the 1960s,
the area was plagued by three devastating floods, but luckily the
villagers were able to retreat into the tall Diaolou, which saved
many lives.
Much like the village of Zili, every family in Majianglong has
relatives overseas and they are each responsible for building one of
the 13 Diaolou to be found in the village. The largest Diaolou in
Majianglong was constructed using contributions from every family
in the village and is a staggering 7 storeys (21 metres) in height.
Every family has a room in this colossal Diaolou, which they
historically used as a safe haven during bandit attacks. We won’t What’s Included: Entrance ticket to the village of
rush through the village. Instead, let’s take it slowly, and really Majianglong
enjoy the delicate combination between architecture and nature.
After our guided tour, you’re free to explore this “bamboo village” at Dinner: Not included. Guests are free to explore
your leisure. the area and sample the local food themselves, or
our guide can help arrange for you to have dinner
In the late afternoon, we will return to Chikan, so that we can together.
explore the residential part. This part is increasingly shrinking due
to the ongoing renovation project, so it may seem like a ghost town Accommodation: 3-star hotel or local guest
now. It will be our last chance to experience the traditional way of house in Chikan
life in this tranquil old town.
17 TanSuo Cultural TravelItinerary Day 6 The Western Impact on Guangzhou The whole morning will be spent traveling back to Guangzhou. First, we will take the bus to Kaiping, and then transfer to a larger coach back to Guangzhou. After checking in at the hotel and having lunch, we’ll head out to visit one of the most marvelous works of architecture in Guangzhou, the Sacred Heart Cathedral! Construction of the cathedral began in 1863, but this colossal project wasn’t completed until 1888! It was sponsored by Napoleon III and thus it was designed after several famous cathedrals in France. Its façade was modelled after the Basilica of St. Clotilde in Paris, while the nave and apse were inspired by the Tours Cathedral in the French city of Tours. It is the largest Gothic cathedral both in China specifically and Southeast Asia generally. You may find it is quite a special experience to visit a Gothic cathedral in the Far East! Our next stop will demonstrate the impact that the British Empire had on the city, in particular due to the British Concession that was granted to the UK during the 19th century. From 1942 to 1961, many British people lived in the district called Shamian Island, particularly trade merchants, but also scholars, priests, and even soldiers. Nowadays there are over 50 colonial buildings still standing in this part of the city. Dinner: Not included. Guests are free to explore the area and sample the local food themselves, or our guide can help arrange for you to have dinner together. Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Guangzhou city centre 18 TanSuo Cultural Travel
Itinerary Day 7 From the Cantonese to the Hoklo People On this day, we will have the opportunity to board a high-speed train, one of the most famous technological advances in China. It will take us about five hours in total to get from Guangzhou to the traditional Hoklo city of Zhangzhou, with a transfer in the bustling trade city of Shenzhen. Zhangzhou was first established as a county sometime between 502 and 515 AD but was not instated as a prefecture until 686. From the 9th century right through to the 13th century, the city rapidly began to grow as one of the major trading ports on China’s southeast coast. During the Song Dynasty (960-1279), lucrative trade between Zhangzhou, Indonesia, and other countries in Southeast Asia allowed it to expand exponentially. Throughout the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), it continued to prosper by trading its famous, locally produced sugar and silk textiles with the Philippines. With sugary treats in their mouths and silk on their skin, the Zhangzhou locals were enjoying the height of luxury! In 1604, the city was first visited by Dutch ships, heralding the much longed for European investment and prosperity that Xiamen and Quanzhou both enjoyed, but around about the same time the river began silting up. Tragically, this meant that the flourishing trade industry that Zhangzhou had once enjoyed gradually shifted further downstream towards other cities. Nowadays, in spite of its historic buildings and vibrant local culture, Zhangzhou is not popular with tourists, which means we’ll get to enjoy a real local experience without the crowds! Read more about Zhangzhou. Dinner: Included. We will sample some of the signature dishes from the local cuisine together. Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Zhangzhou city centre 19 TanSuo Cultural Travel
Itinerary
Day 8 Welcome to the Tulou!
We will take the high speed train and then take the local bus to the
village of Yunshuiyao, which is widely considered to be the most
beautiful Hakka village in Fujian province. This is predominantly due
to the fact that Yunshuiyao is home to a staggering 53 Tulou! There
are several banyan trees on the riverside, many of which are
hundreds of years old and some of which are over one thousand
years old. Amongst them lies the biggest banyan tree in Fujian
province, which has branches that are over 30 meters (98 ft.) long.
To put that into perspective, each branch is longer than the average
Blue Whale!
You will have the opportunity to explore the village freely, but first
we will make a point of visiting three magnificent Tulou that are
located in Yunshuiyao. The first is Heigui Lou, which was
miraculously built on marshland. Let’s just hope it doesn’t sink any
time soon!
The second is Huaiyuan Lou, which was built in 1909 and is a What’s Included: Entrance ticket to the
typical example of a Tulou that follows the “connected rooms” village of Yunshuiyao; entrance ticket to Hegui
design. Because of its short history, the whole building is well Lou; entrance ticket to Huaiyuan Lou; and
preserved and thus serves as a good example of what a circular Tulou entrance ticket to Cuimei Lou
should look like. It is four storeys high and has a diameter of 38
meters. Each of its floors has 34 rooms. Nowadays most of residents Dinner: Not included. Guests are free to
have moved out and only 60 people still live inside this Tulou. explore the area and sample the local food
themselves, or our guide can help arrange for
The third and final Tulou we will visit together is Cuimei Lou, you to have dinner together.
which was built in 1831 and is thus one of the older Tulou in the
village. This Tulou is entirely residential, so tourists rarely come to Accommodation: Featured Tulou Hotel
visit it and we’ll probably have the place to ourselves. Read more with private bathroom in Yunshuiyao
about Yunshuiyao
20 TanSuo Cultural TravelItinerary
Day 9 Witness the Most Famous Tulou
Today we will take a private minivan to visit three villages and will stay
overnight in the village of Tianluokeng, which is home to the famous
“Four Dishes and One Soup” Tulou cluster.
Firstly, we will visit the village of Taxia, which is split by a river that is
lined by over 20 traditional Tulou. Taxia is a sleepy village that sees very
little traffic and the locals, who have long become accustomed to rural
life, while away the hours fishing, farming, and drinking tea. Sometimes
it really is the simple things that make life worth living! The village was
established in 1426 by the Zhang family but most of the remaining
buildings were constructed during the 18th century, with the oldest,
Fuxing Lou, having been built in 1631. Read more about Taxia
Our second stop will be the village named Xiabanliao, which is a tiny
village with less than a hundred residents. You may be surprised to find
that, in spite of its size, it is home to one of the most famous Tulou in
Fujian province, known locally as “the zigzag building”. It got this
name because the wooden post structure within the Tulou, which is
meant to be vertical, appears to zigzag left and right on the 3rd and 4th
What’s Included: Entrance ticket to the
floors. This bizarre phenomenon was not intentional but was in fact due
village of Taxia; entrance ticket to the village
to an error made in measuring the building materials. Don’t let the
of Xiabanliao; and entrance ticket to the
unsteady appearance fool you; this Tulou has survived more natural
village of Tianluokeng
disasters, wars, and sieges than you can count! (Read more about
Xiabanliao)
Dinner: Not included. Guests are free to
explore the area and sample the local food
The final stop will be the “Four Dishes and One Soup” Tulou
themselves, or our guide can help arrange for
cluster located in the village of Tianluokeng. In the evening, you will get
you to have dinner together.
to experience what a real room in a Tulou is like, without the modern
amenities we enjoyed in Yunshuiyao! This Tulou is a residential Tulou,
Accommodation: Tulou Hotel without
not a hotel, so you’ll get the opportunity to see what life is truly like for
private bathroom in Tianluokeng
the locals who live in these phenomenal fortresses.
21 TanSuo Cultural TravelItinerary Day 10 Experience the Tranquility of Life in the Mountains We will spend the whole morning exploring the village of Tianluokeng. You can either choose to hike every trail in this village, or simply have a cup of locally grown tea and enjoy the spectacular view of the mountains. The famous “Four Dishes and One Soup” Tulou cluster in Tianluokeng earned its unusual nickname because it resembles the traditional layout for an average family dinner in China, as it is made up of one square- shaped Tulou in the centre with three round and one oval-shaped Tulou surrounding it. The square Tulou in the centre is known as “Buyun Lou” or “Reaching for the Clouds Building” and is the oldest of the set, having been built in 1796. Hechang Lou was built not long thereafter and, in 1930, the circular Zhenyang Lou followed. In 1936, Ruiyun Lou was constructed and the last of the bunch, Wenchang Lou, was completed in 1966. The sheer size of these Tulou is a miracle in itself, as each one may have taken upwards of two years to build. The real question is: Which one will we be staying in overnight? We’ll leave that as a pleasant surprise! (Read more about Tianluokeng) In the late afternoon, we will take a local bus to Nanjing. Dinner: Not included. Guests are free to explore the area and sample the local food themselves, or our guide can help arrange for you to have dinner together. Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Nanjing city centre 22 TanSuo Cultural Travel
Itinerary Day 11 Prepare to Try the Best Cantonese Food! In the morning, we will take the high-speed train from Nanjing to Chaozhou. The most beautiful place in Chaozhou is widely considered to be Paifang Street, which is home to 22 elaborately decorated Memorial Archways and also several old Qilou. We will also pay a visit to the Huang Jilue Ancestral Hall, which is famed for its elegant wood-carvings that are supposedly unlike any other in the world! After we’ve passed through the Tower Gate of the old part of town, you’ll get a clear view of the stunning Guangji Bridge, which ranks as one of China’s four most famous ancient bridges. Guangji Bridge is particularly unusual amongst the ancient bridges in China, as part of it was originally a pontoon bridge, meaning it literally floated on the river and could thus be moved to make way for incoming boats. In its long history, it has been renovated several times, so that now it is made up of an amalgam of bridge types, consisting of a beam bridge, an arch bridge, and a pontoon bridge. There are twelve pavilions located along the bridge that were all constructed in different styles. That being said, the most important feature of Chaozhou is its excellent cuisine! In the afternoon, we will try several typical local snacks. For dinner, let’s treat ourselves! We’ll enjoy a feast together made up of delicious signature dishes of authentic Chaoshan cuisine. You may be Dinner: Included. We will sample some of the surprised to find that we’ll be eating in an open market, but this is the signature dishes from the local cuisine best place to find real Chaoshan cuisine! together. What’s Included: Entrance ticket to the Huang Jilue Ancestral Hall Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Chaozhou and to Guangji Bridge city centre 23 TanSuo Cultural Travel
Itinerary Day 12 Traditional Food in an Old Teochew Town In the morning, we will take the train to Shantou for a day-trip. This town is even older than Chaozhou and boasts the largest number of Qilou in China! It is must smaller than Guangzhou and it is home to far more historic buildings, but you may be surprised to find that there are even Roman and Baroque-style mansions in this quaint old town. First, we’ll pay a visit to the Mazu Temple. Prepare to be dazzled by the gorgeous ceramic decorations on the exterior and interior of the temple itself! Mazu is a sea goddess that is hugely popular and widely worshipped throughout Southeast Asia, particularly in the south part of Fujian province and in the Chaoshan region. The Mazu Temple in Shantou is a typical South Min-style temple and exhibits the characteristic ceramic figures on the roof, but its decorative features are far more detailed than other temples of the same style. Read more about Shantou In the afternoon, we will return to Chaozhou and continue sampling this city’s culinary delights! What’s Included: Entrance ticket to the Mazu Temple Dinner: Not included. Guests are free to explore the area and sample the local food themselves, or our guide can help arrange for you to have dinner together. Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Chaozhou city centre 24 TanSuo Cultural Travel
Itinerary Day 13 The Modern Metropolis of Guangzhou In the morning, we will take the high speed train from Chaozhou back to Guangzhou. After we’ve had lunch, we’ll have a short rest at the hotel and conserve our energy for the night tour of Guangzhou. In the evening, we’ll head out to experience the modern side of this grand metropolis. First, we will go to the river bank in order to admire the colourful lights of the skyscrapers and take a look at Guangzhou’s most iconic landmark, the 604-metre (1,982 ft.) tall Canton Tower. Once we’ve taken a leisurely walk along the river and drank in the multi-coloured splendor of the surrounding buildings, we will end the tour on a high and enjoy a large dinner together made up of signature dishes from traditional Cantonese cuisine! Dinner: Included. We will sample some of the signature dishes from the local cuisine together. Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Guangzhou city centre Day 14 Your Onward Journey On your final day with us, you can either choose to embark on your return journey home or continue your travels. If you decide to continue traveling, we’ll be on hand to help you book any travel tickets or hotels should you need us to. If you need any recommendations on where to travel, please do not hesitate to ask us. In the morning, we will escort you to the train station or airport with plenty of time for you to catch your train or flight. If your flight isn’t until the afternoon, please let us know and we can arrange some extra sightseeing in Guangzhou for you. 25 TanSuo Cultural Travel
Prices and What’s Included Unlike other tours in China, we do not ask you to tip your tour guides and drivers each day. Instead, we pay our tour guides and drivers a fair wage, so they do not need to ask for tips. Cost pp: £2,350/7-8 people in one group; £2,750/4-6 people in one group; £3,850/2-3 people in one group. Single supp: £500 (Please be advised that, if you are the last person joining the tour or if there is no one in the group who you can share with, you may need to pay for the single supplement. We will advise you if this is the case when you enquire about the tour). What’s Included: 13 nights of shared accommodation (based on 2 people per room at hotels); all transportation costs during the designated tour time; breakfast every day; all entrances fees to the designated attractions within the tour; 5 dinners; and services of one of our tour guides for the entirety of the tour. What’s Not Included: Flights; visa; travel insurance; lunches and some dinners; the cost of taxi called personally. If you like the look of this tour but would prefer to take it privately, we can tailor it to your specifications and design a bespoke tour for you or your group. Simply contact us on info@asiaculturaltravel.co.uk for a free email consultation with one of our travel experts. 26 TanSuo Cultural Travel
How can I sign up to this tour? Step 1 ⇒ Contact us directly to talk about the tour in more detail. Step 2 ⇒ Book online and pay the £100 deposit. If you have an exclusive discount code, please enter it into the Enquiry box. Step 3 ⇒ We will send you the invoice confirming you have been booked on the tour. Once you receive the invoice, you have 30 days to pay an additional £500, which will secure your place on the tour. Step 4 ⇒ Please note that the final cost of the tour will be based on the number of participants and will be split into two payments. The first payment must be made within 3 months of the tour’s start date and is based on the minimum price of the tour minus your £600 deposit. After that, you will need to pay the remaining balance one month before the tour is due to leave based on the tour subscription. In the meantime, we will advise you on how to apply for your visa and keep you updated on the subscription of the tour. Step 5 ⇒ Once you have made the final payment, we will send you our exclusive tour e-book, which contains a detailed itinerary of the tour and in-depth information on the areas we’ll be visiting. Step 6 ⇒ Prepare yourself for an unforgettable adventure! We are happy to answer any questions you may have and we will always keep you up to date on the progress of the tour subscription. 27 TanSuo Cultural Travel
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